Q2: Do I need to pay tariff or other duties for importing goods from the Mainland into Hong Kong?

Q3: How can I know the import tariff rates of the Mainland?

For details of imported goods prohibited by the Mainland's rules and regulations and those prohibited as a result of the implementation of international treaties by the Mainland, please refer to the Catalogues of Prohibited Imports of the Mainland, or refer to the web site of the Mainland's General Administration of Custom. In addition, the Mainland administers import licensing or quota control on certain restricted goods. Details can be found on the web site of the Ministry of Commerce, PRC and its subsidiary web site of the Quota and Licence Administrative Bureau.

Q5: Where can I find information about the Mainland's latest foreign trade and investment policies?

The Mainland's latest foreign trade and investment policies can be found on the web site of the Ministry of Commerce, PRC and the relevant web site of Invest in China . The Trade and Industry Department from time to time promulgates the Mainland's trade and investment policies through Commercial Information Circulars. Please visit the "Commercial Information Circulars - Mainland Economic and Trade Information Database" page for a catalogue of these Circulars.

Q6: How can I obtain the Mainland's trade statistics?

Trade statistics and relevant analyses for different industries in different provinces, municipal cities and autonomous regions of the Mainland are available on the web site of the National Bureau of Statistics, PRC.

Q7: Where can I find the Mainland's employment related laws and regulations?

The Mainland's employment related laws and regulations are available on the web site of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, PRC.

Q8: Is there an arrangement between Hong Kong and the Mainland to prevent double taxation?

Yes. The State Administration of Taxation and the Inland Revenue Department of the HKSAR reached an "Arrangement between the Mainland of China and the Hong Kong Special Administration Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income" in 1998. For details of the Agreement, please visit the web site of the Inland Revenue Department.

Q9: It is understood that China has made some commitments for the accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). What are the details?

The Mainland formally became a member of the WTO at the end of 2001. Upon accession, the Mainland is committed to gradually lowering its import tariffs. Non-tariff measures, such as most of the import licensing arrangements and import quotas, would also be abolished by phases within years. On services industries, the Mainland is committed to liberalising distribution, telecommunication, finance, professional services, etc. and allow greater extent of foreign participation. Details of the Mainland's WTO commitments are contained in China's Accession Protocol. A copy of the Accession Protocol is also available at the Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs on M/F, Trade and Industry Department Tower, 700 Nathan Road.

Q10: What are the changes in the Mainland's laws and regulations after its WTO accession?

Subsequent to the accession to the WTO, the Mainland authorities have to review their laws and regulations to ensure that they are consistent with WTO rules. Thousands of laws and regulations are being examined. These laws and regulations cover different areas including trade in goods, trade in services, protection of intellectual property rights, etc. The Trade and Industry Department from time to time promulgates changes in the Mainland's laws and regulations through Commercial Information Circulars. Please visit the "Commercial Information Circulars - Mainland Economic and Trade Information Database" page for a catalogue of these Circulars.